(BPT) – Whether hitting the road to visit family or taking a cross-country road trip to make vacation memories, you need a vehicle that you can count on to get you to your destination. But you want your ride to be more than that: you want something that’s fun to drive and ideally good for the environment. Fortunately, electric vehicles (EVs) check all of those boxes.
Electric vehicles are becoming more common as carmakers continue to roll out more electric models. With EVs on the top of people’s minds today, now is a great time to give one a try. Here are four reasons to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle for your next road trip:
1: There are plenty of electric vehicle options to choose from
If you’re in the market for a new car, there are plenty of electric vehicles to consider, and many major automakers are rolling out new electric models. Plus, those EVs aren’t just hatchbacks and small cars – EVs now come in full-size sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks. This means you can now drive electric practically anywhere, with the same number of passengers and the same amount of luggage as you’d be toting in a gas car.
You also don’t even need to own an EV to drive one, as some car rental agencies may offer the opportunity to rent electric vehicles. And if your trip is a short one and you plan to utilize a rideshare service, some companies may offer electric vehicle options, too.
2: Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions
If you’re looking for simple ways to help reduce your tailpipe emissions, driving an electric vehicle is a smart choice. EVs typically emit lower levels of greenhouse gases than the average new gasoline car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Just how much fewer emissions do electric vehicles generate? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs produce on average roughly 3,700 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, compared to more than 11,400 pounds of average CO2 equivalent emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. Compared to a gas-powered car, that’s a lot less CO2 if you own an EV.
3: Charging is more accessible than ever
If you’re taking an electric vehicle on a road trip, public fast-charging stations are a great way to charge up before heading back out onto the road. Electrify America’s fast-charging stations can be found at convenient, accessible places you’d likely encounter during a road trip: grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants and even gas stations. This way, you can complete errands, enjoy some local entertainment or simply relax while your vehicle charges. Many of these stations are located in metro areas and close to highways, so you don’t have to venture too far from your route to charge.
Because public chargers are becoming widely available, drivers can feel more confident taking their EVs across town, regionally or even across the country. To help with longer-distance travel specifically, Electrify America now offers multiple cross-country routes and several north-to-south routes along the coasts and Middle America, in addition to many other interstate options.
By the end of 2025, the charging company expects to have more than 1,800 public ultra-fast charging stations with about 10,000 chargers either completed or under construction in the U.S. and Canada.
4: Electric vehicles are fun to drive
The instant torque and silent electric motor can make driving an EV even more fun than a traditional gas-powered car. Electric vehicles offer smooth handling thanks to a low center of gravity. You’ll also experience less vehicle hesitation and gear shifting, with instant acceleration at just a tap of your foot.
Next time you’re looking to take a road trip, consider taking an electric vehicle. You’ll feel good switching to electric, knowing you’re helping to reduce tailpipe emissions. You can also feel confident going almost anywhere as EV model options become more plentiful and charging options become more widely accessible. With transportation becoming more electrified each year, taking an electric vehicle road trip now will help prepare you for the future.